Model Parliament Unit
Senate Pre-Simulation Activities
Opening of Sitting
Who's Involved
Government in the Senate, Opposition Party in the Senate, Independent Senators
What It Is
When the day's sitting begins, the Usher of the Black Rod, the Mace Bearer, the
Speaker, two Pages, the Clerk and Senate Table Officers parade into the Senate
Chamber. The Usher of the Black Rod carries the Black Rod and the Mace Bearer
carries the Mace over his or her right shoulder. The Speaker reads a prayer and the
Mace Bearer then places the Mace on the table in front of the Speaker to symbolize
Parliament's authority and to signify that the Senate is in session. The Speaker orders
that the doors be opened to allow the public to enter the galleries. The daily business
then begins.
Why It's Important
The ceremonial opening of the parliamentary day reflects the serious purpose of the
Senate and commemorates our history. The ritual parade, from the Speaker's chambers
into the Senate, has its roots in the British parliamentary process, which dates back
several hundred years.
What You Need To Do
1. Working in your group, define the terms "Parliament," "Session of Parliament" and
"Sitting of Parliament." Then compare your definitions with those in the Glossary.
2. Discuss why you think the ceremonial rituals of Parliament have been retained.
Record your thoughts on this in your learning log.
3. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Opening of Sitting."
CANADA
© 2006
Library of
Parliament
This page is from the Model Parliament Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce
the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Library of Parliament
Information Service at 1-866-599-4999 or check www.parl.gc.ca/education.
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